Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most visited tourist attractions and a UNESCO World-Heritage site, has a large, Western-style cruise boat traversing its waters now.

The five-deck ship, called President Cruise, features 46 cabins, a piano bar, spa, and two large sun decks. It took its maiden voyage on Nov. 15 and is the largest vessel ever to enter the bay.

Early visitors reported that the view from the decks — especially at sunset with cold beverage in hand — is among the best they’ve seen. The slow-moving boat offers many angles on the area’s dramatic limestone karsts and, at a total of 575 square meters of decking, it’s unlikely that you’ll be left without a lounger from which to sit and ponder the sights.

Photo: President Cruises

After the sun sets, guests can make their way to the 1920s-style piano bar, in which designers aimed for evoking the New York City jazz scene. There are live performances nightly that may be enhanced by the free-flow post-dinner cocktails.

The cabins are modern and sumptuous in design with dark parquet flooring and earth-toned palettes. Though it hardly seems necessary, with the itineraries on offer being just one or two nights, each features a walk-in closet too. From any point in the room, visitors can gaze out oversized windows to take in epic views. If you opt for one of the more pricey cabins, you’ll get a private balcony as well. Take another step up the luxury ladder for a terrace with an outdoor bathtub.

Photo: President Cruises

The ship’s 130 square meter Presidential Suite is the largest cabin on Halong Bay with its own dining room, terrace, and bar inside the top-deck accommodation.

Aside from spa treatments, the trip costs are inclusive of food, drink, and onboard activities that include afternoon tea, cooking classes, tai chi, squid fishing from the deck. The itineraries also include speed boat transfers to caves, beaches, floating villages and an islet with remarkable 360 degree views.